Dec

21

Overall: Cadillac pushes the envelope with a model geared to compete with some of the grandest sedans from around the globe.

Drivetrain: A 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 tops the list of powerplants; there’s also a 265-horsepower four-cylinder and a 335-horsepower V6; all use eight-speed automatic transmissions; AWD is optional with both V6 engines.

If there are niches to fill in the luxury car category, Cadillac appears determined to build product. The CT6 thus becomes the fourth sedan brand in its lineup. And with yet a higher-end model in the planning stages, General Motors’ premium division isn’t finished by any stretch. The CT6 is using a combination of luxury appointments, prodigious power, knife-edgy design and, last but not least, lithe and lightweight construction. To this point, Cadillac claims that the CT6 tips the scales below the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-series sedans and weighs about the same as the smaller Cadillac CTS (the CT6 has close to eight more inches grafted in between the front and rear wheels). Assisting in the pound-paring quest is a 100-percent aluminum body and front suspension. Preventing the CT6 from becoming corpulent ensures that the three available power teams will provide the driver with plenty of kick. They include a 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 335-horsepower non-turbo 3.6-liter V6 and a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. All are connected to eight-speed transmissions. All-wheel-drive is available, but only with the 3.6- and 3.0-liter V6s. All-wheel-steering can be had as well. Naturally the CT6 comes brimming with content and also provides a significant number of extra-cost luxury and safety amenities. Among the most unique are “Quadzone” climate control, articulating heated and cooled rear seat with message, surround-view security camera that can record a 360-degree view of the car, a rear camera mirror that replaces the traditional mirror and a Bose “Panaray” sound system with 34 (!) strategically positioned speakers.